Operation Hot Seat

Nine people have been charged following District 1 Mountain Bike Unit (MBU) Operation Hot Seat, which aimed to curb the amount of bicycle thefts committed in the downtown core.

In the first half of 2018, there have been a total of 1,190 reported bicycle thefts in Calgary. This represents a 25 per cent decrease compared to the first half of 2017 (1,587). However, more than 3,633 bikes were reported stolen in all of 2017 and the Mountain Bike Unit would like to see this number greatly reduced.

Over a course of two days and one night at the end of May, the MBU observed nine people steal a pre-identified bike.

Operation Hot Seat culminated in 54 Criminal Code charges, 16 warrants executed and 14 summonses issued. A total of 13 grams of methamphetamine and a number of what are believed to be stolen credit cards and identity cards were also seized. Charges include theft under $5,000, possession of a controlled substance, possession of stolen credit cards, possession of stolen property under $5,000, and breach of recognizance or probation order.

Tips for bike theft prevention:

• Ensure the bike is locked up properly by securing the wheels and the bike frame to a solid object.
• Use multiple locks.
• Take easily removable items with you, such as bells, seats and lights.
• Never leave your bike locked in an easily accessible place for long periods of time, such as over night.
• Avoid securing your bike in a predictable fashion, such as putting it in the same bicycle rack in the same place every day.
• Ensure garages and storage sheds are locked.
• Record your bike’s serial number and take photos of your bike to assist in recovery.
• Report your bike if it is lost or stolen by going to Calgarypolice.ca and filling in an online report.